Peranan Penyuluh Pertanian dan Kompetensi Komunikasi Penyuluh Pertanian terhadap Tingkat Produktivitas Padi Sawah di Kecamatan Kota Manna Kabupaten Bengkulu Selatan

Abstract

The objective of this study is to analyze the role of agricultural instructors and the communication competence of agricultural instructors on productivity levels of paddy fields in Kota Manna sub-district South Bengkulu Regency. The study uses communication competency theory by Brian Spitzberg and William Cupach (1984) and Mosher (1997). A quantitative approach with descriptive methods is used in this study. The population consists of 225 rice farmers in the Kota Manna sub-district. The sampling technique uses total sampling. Data are analyzed using single table analysis, cross-tabulation analysis, partial t-test, simultaneous F-test, and coefficient of determination. The results show that the role of agricultural instructors and their communication competence influence the productivity of lowland rice in the Kota Manna sub-district, South Bengkulu district. Based on the Guildford scale, the role of agricultural instructors and competence, agricultural instructors have quite high influence with value 53.7% and categorized as moderate or medium. 46.3% influenced by other factors not examined in this study. Next, also take into account other factors that could influence rice productivity levels such as climate, use of fertilizer, planting and harvesting techniques, pests and diseases, extention work period, intensity of extension, distance to extension locations, and economic factors such as limited funds from the government, lack of extension workers, and lack of incentives.